What is a dependency firewall?

This blog explains the concept and need for a "dependency firewall" to block malicious open-source packages at install time, summarizes recent npm supply-chain compromises (axios, debug, chalk, and a malicious MCP server) that delivered RATs and other malware via postinstall hooks and transitive dependencies, outlines attacker techniques (typosquatting, slopsquatting, obfuscation, account takeovers) and short exploitation windows, and recommends Aikido Safe Chain and Device Protection as install-time mitigations.